In the fall of 2000 I was mountain biking down a single-track trail in the mountains of Colorado. I lost control of my bike and wrecked. My ankle was crushed and it took multiple surgeries before I could walk without limping. Meanwhile the pain had been unbearable and I had been prescribed Vicodins to alleviate the pain. Eventually my body healed and I was quite certain the pain had gone away, but I couldn’t’t stop taking the Vicodin without getting very uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. I had gradually evolved to taking ten pills a day, two when I woke up, two after breakfast, two after lunch, two before dinner and two before bed. If I were to miss a pill or two throughout the day I would lose my energy, focus and motivation. The few times I tried to quit abruptly, after just a few hours I would start cramping and sweating and get incredibly anxious.

Using the Internet, I found the Ibogaine Association. At first I was skeptical, ibogaine is a medication I’d never heard of and treatment in Mexico! Then I learned that ibogaine was a hallucinogen. I’d never taken psychedelic drugs and I’d never considered it. After talking to the staff and the physicians at the treatment center and doing a lot of independent research I made the decision that this treatment was my best option. And I was right! The ibogaine experience was amazing; I can’t put it into words, but it was nothing like I’d expected. And no real withdrawal! A little fatigue, a little insomnia and minor discomfort for a few days and that’s it. The doctors and the staff treated me with utmost respect and care. I highly recommend this treatment to anybody who is chained to Vicodins or other prescription painkillers.